Print

Chinese Honey Chicken

Honey Chicken
Print Recipe

Incredibly crispy, golden chicken drenched in a luscious, sticky, sweet, and savory honey glaze—this homemade Chinese Honey Chicken delivers that irresistible takeout flavor with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs, cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces
  • 1 Large Egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 cup Cornstarch, for coating
  • 1 tbsp Cornstarch (for sauce slurry)
  • Approx. 1/2 cup Vegetable Oil, for shallow frying
  • 1/2 cup Honey
  • 1/4 cup Soy Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Rice Vinegar
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Ginger, freshly grated or minced
  • 1/4 cup Water or Chicken Broth
  • 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil
  • Optional Garnish: Toasted Sesame Seeds
  • Optional Garnish: Sliced Green Onions

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut chicken into 1-inch pieces and pat dry with paper towels.
  2. Set Up Breading Station: Place beaten egg in one shallow bowl and cornstarch in another. Season cornstarch if desired.
  3. Coat the Chicken: Dip chicken in egg, then dredge in cornstarch. Let rest 5–10 minutes.
  4. Heat the Oil: Heat ½ inch oil in a skillet or wok to 350°F (175°C).
  5. Fry the Chicken (First Fry): Fry chicken in batches for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
  6. Drain the Chicken: Transfer cooked chicken to a wire rack over paper towels.
  7. Double Fry (Optional): Fry again for 1–2 minutes for extra crispiness, then drain.
  8. Prepare the Honey Sauce: In a saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and water/broth.
  9. Simmer the Sauce: Simmer while whisking for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  10. Thicken the Sauce (Slurry): Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water and whisk into the simmering sauce. Cook until thickened.
  11. Finish the Sauce: Remove from heat and stir in sesame oil. Adjust seasoning.
  12. Combine and Serve: Toss crispy chicken in the sauce until coated evenly.
  13. Garnish and Enjoy: Serve hot with toasted sesame seeds and green onions.

Notes

Double fry the chicken for maximum crispiness. Customize the sauce with orange zest, red pepper flakes, or toasted cashews for added flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chinese honey chicken, crispy chicken, takeout style, fried chicken, honey glaze

Find it online: https://kierasrecipes.com/easy-chinese-honey-chicken/